Teens and young adults in Maine are at greatest risk for being either the offender or the victim of violence. At present, prevention activities in Maine are limited and fragmented. This document marks the beginning of a study of incidence and impact of violence among Maine youth. The process involved in conducting this was significantly hampered by the absence of adequate data to describe the problem. Data collection is a necessary first step in the attempt to reduce youth violence in Maine. Broad recommendations to guide the state in addressing youth violence prevention are: (1) designate a lead agency responsible for convening an interdepartmental task force to more thoroughly study the causes, impact and solutions to violence among Maine youth; (2) require systematic collection of data, to document incidence and impact of youth violence; (3) require state agencies to review their policies, regulations and procedures to assure that these policies protect and strengthen families; and (4) enact legislative measures that will reduce the risk of childhood death and injury from violence. Extensive statistics, surveys and interviews provide currently available data. Appendices include: leading causes of child death; legislative resolve; and other Maine studies. (JBJ)

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